"Are all the people from the Land of Lightning that talented?"
Yuhi Kurenai declined Asuma Sarutobi's candy with a soft smile.
"Too much sugar, I'll gain weight."
Asuma chuckled. He had known Kurenai since before they entered the academy. To him, she was more than a classmate—more like a childhood friend.
"Someone in my family fought against Kumogakure ninja. They said those guys were monsters."
Asuma's mind filled with images of burly, dark-skinned shinobi—each with explosive muscles and raw power.
Compared to that, Seiji's slender frame felt... off.
"But Qingsi isn't dark-skinned."
"True," Asuma nodded. "Old man said not all Hidden Cloud ninja are dark. Some are pale. But they're all strong."
"Who knows?" Kurenai murmured, brushing her hair back. She wasn't particularly interested in Qingsi's physical strength. What she really wanted to know was—
How talented is he in genjutsu?
Her father had spent his entire life perfecting the art of illusion. He had always claimed that Sharingan users were masters of genjutsu.
Kurenai didn't want to believe that some people were born with a power that could rival decades of hard work.
Among their classmates, only Seiji had awakened the Sharingan.
Even Lady Tsunade had been called in to evaluate him.
Qingsi felt someone watching him. He looked up and met Kurenai's eyes for a brief moment before she turned away.
Why is she looking at me?
Shrugging it off, Qingsi returned his focus to the panel in front of him:
[Entry: Long-Distance Runner (White)]
Requirement: Run 5 kilometers.
Progress: Completed.
Effect: Increases lower limb strength by 5%. Improves endurance during long-distance movement.
Note: This can evolve further with continued effort.
Qingsi closed the panel. His legs were still warm with the afterglow of chakra-enhanced growth. He could feel every fiber of his muscles growing stronger.
I wonder if throwing weapons or climbing might unlock similar bonuses.
"Qingsi! Are you contemplating the meaning of youth!?"
Might Guy flashed his usual radiant smile, thumbs-up ready.
"…Not quite."
Ten minutes later, Instructor Kaino Lu gathered the class.
"Alright, time for results!"
"First place: Might Guy. Second: Kakashi…"
As the rankings were read aloud, murmurs filled the air.
"Sixth place: Uchiha Seiji."
Qingsi remained composed.
He had only been training for a short while, yet had surpassed many who'd been working for years. That alone spoke volumes about his potential.
No wonder Yakushi Nono had suggested he pursue taijutsu.
"Everyone, go home and prepare. We have sparring next week!"
"New sparring list is here."
Due to Qingsi joining, the number of students was now odd.
Kaino Lu scanned the field, then saw Obito talking with Rin.
"Obito, you'll spar with Seiji."
Obito froze for a second… then grinned.
Perfect. This is my chance.
"Understood, Umino-sensei!"
Obito gave an enthusiastic nod. A solid performance next week could finally show Rin who deserved her attention.
After dismissal, Qingsi approached Nohara Rin again.
As usual, Kakashi and Obito were nearby, but Qingsi paid no mind.
Today's chakra training was tree climbing once more—but this time, on much taller trees that required sustained focus and better chakra control.
As the sun dipped behind the trees, casting long shadows over the forest floor, Qingsi was the first to stop.
"You're leaving early today, Kiyoshi-san?" Rin asked.
"I've been in Konoha for about a month now. Thought I'd try some of the local food."
"Ah, I know a great place for sweet red bean soup. A little girl named Mitarashi Anko always goes there!"
Qingsi chuckled, thanked her, and waved goodbye.
But instead of heading home, Qingsi strolled through the lantern-lit streets of Konoha, hands in his pockets, eyes scanning the shops.
Eventually, he casually entered a small, unassuming restaurant labeled:
"Sushi House"
No sooner had he stepped inside than a female attendant walked up to him.
"You're here for our new squid sushi, right?"
The clerk had short, platinum-blonde hair. Her apron barely concealed her generous figure, with a tight gray top visible underneath.
Samui.
Qingsi immediately recognized her.
In the original timeline, Samui had been one of the few women who could rival Tsunade—not in rank, but in presence.
Why does she look so young?
She didn't appear much older than a student. This wasn't right.
A butterfly effect from my arrival? Or something else?
Still, Qingsi played along.
"Yes, I'm here for the squid sushi."
If Samui was here, she was likely acting under orders from Kumogakure's leadership. She must have recognized him.
"You're the first customer for this new item. Please follow me."
Samui led him to the back of the restaurant.
"This dish uses only the freshest squid—special request by the customer."
They passed a room filled with glass tanks bubbling with fish and marine life.
Then, without warning, Samui placed both hands on the wall. A black seal lit up, and a hidden doorway opened with a faint glow.
Behind it lay a dark tunnel.
At the end of it stood a tall man with dreadlocks.
He turned around slowly, his voice echoing faintly.
"Yotsuki Seiji. It's an honor. I'm Samudo."
Qingsi narrowed his eyes.
"Yotsuki is my former surname. I am Uchiha now."
Samudo didn't react, though Qingsi noted the flicker of surprise.
The dreadlocks were nothing unusual—Konoha had plenty of shinobi with odd hairstyles. Even Iruka had taught kids with wilder looks.
Still, Samudo was clearly no ordinary civilian.